Image of Quarry Teahouse front entrance taken by Aiden Dawson
10 minutes away from Bishop Auckland, this quaint little tearoom sits in the small village of Hunwick. When you walk into the front entrance of the café, you immediately step into a vibrant and very bright environment that feels fresh and very light-hearted.
As you come in, to your left is the gift shop with shelves fully-stocked with handmade trinkets, greetings cards and gourmet food and drink. Walk through the gift shop and onto the indoor terrace which is a beautiful area raised up and embellished with pink and white flowers dangling from the wooden pergola. This floral scene also includes a teacup chair, coffee table, high stools looking out the window onto the main road, and even a cute swing chair for two. This seating area in the corner is a hidden gem and is perfect for a couple’s date or a girls treat.
Turn right from the main entrance, and you have the counter in front of you where you can purchase gifts, cakes, coffees to take out etc, and a variety of fresh home-made cakes on display to choose from. The refrigerated shelves are stocked with cold drinks, snacks and even bottles of beer. After passing through this area, you enter the next room where there are plenty of tables and chairs to sit in and through this room is the access to the outdoor terrace. Outside you have more seats and picnic benches and at the far back, just up a few steps is a row of sheltered “pods” that look like beach huts that small groups can sit in.
The Quarry Teahouse is certainly a hidden gem and is out the way and is a great place to visit in Hunwick which is not far from Crook, Bishop Auckland, and Willington.
Image taken by Aiden Dawson at Quarry Teahouse in Hunwick, Bishop Auckland
There are so many reasons why we would recommend paying The Quarry Teahouse a visit- from the lovely, romantic terrace to the outdoor huts to the awesome gift shop, and of course- the delicious cups of tea served here at this tearoom!
This tearoom is not far from Bishop Auckland, it will take you approximately ten minutes to drive from Bishop Auckland town centre to get here. Hunwick is also about a 5-minute drive from Willington and a 15-minute drive from Crook. The locality of Hunwick is very quaint and it sits on a steep hill. You see the café at the top of the hill as you drive in to Hunwick from Willington. It is very near to other hospitality venues including the Bishops Lodge restaurant in Toronto and the Joiners Arms which is the local pub in Hunwick. The Dairy Barn is a 4-minute drive round the corner and other nearby attractions include Kynren, Low Barns Nature Reserve and Witton Castle.
Inside the Quarry Teahouse, is a special seating area that can be reserved for parties and other special occasions. It is all on a raised platform that you step onto after passing through the giftshop, located in a separate part of the café well away from the rest of the seating areas giving it a sense of privacy for you and your guests.
The terrace is a very floral scene, decorated with artificial flowers that dangle from the wooden pergola, along with rustic wooden partitioning that separates the swinging wicker chair for two from the rest of the terrace. There is an L-shaped seating area of benches with a low coffee table perfect for a girl’s day out or any social gathering. The little random teacup-shaped seat in the corner of the terrace can seat 2-3 people. Along the back of the terrace, there are high stools to sit on looking out the window onto the main street outside, with a shelf running along so people can sit and eat/drink here too. You are definitely not short of options for places to sit and opportunities for funny, quirky selfies with your friends!
The tea shop has a decent menu which includes brunch options from eggs benedict to all-day breakfasts to toasted teacakes. They have a special pancake menu for there delicious American-style pancakes. A sandwich menu that includes both hot and cold sandwiches. Their lunch menu has everything from fish finger sandwiches to homemade quiches to lasagne. And their drinks menu includes hot drinks from tea to cappuccinos to iced lattes.
So, their menu is very extensive and unique and all reasonably-priced. They do also include a children’s menu too so there are options for the little ones as well. Click here to view their menu on their social media page.
Alongside the menu, they also serve fresh food to take away at their deli counter. The food here includes locally-sourced goods including homemade jams/preserves, cheeses, chocolate, fudge and cakes and even beer and wine. You can buy cakes and ice cream to eat in or take away.
Their deli goods are kept fresh on refrigerated shelves opposite the deli counter and their homemade cakes and pastries are displayed in a refrigerated display counter. All food can be bought at the till to take home. Coffees and other drinks can also be bought here to take away.
Image taken by Aiden Dawson at Quarry Teahouse in Hunwick, Bishop Auckland
The gift shop is always open for people to come and browse. Browse through the array of handcrafted gifts including cards, hampers, ornaments, candles, and gift vouchers. You can purchase items at the deli counter. There is also a variety of children’s books and games that you can also buy.
This is one of the only tearooms in Bishop Auckland area that also has a gift shop.
The option to sit outside is always a plus. Bask in a sunshine during the summer with a cup of tea or a glass of wine on the picnic benches. Or sit in one of the pods at the back of the terrace just up a few steps. The tea huts are perfect for a social gathering or couple’s date and they can be booked in advance. There is plenty of sheltered spots including the pods and parasols provided at the picnic benches.
This venue is a very welcoming environment for people of all needs and all ages. It is a family-friendly venue and there is something appealing to all kind of people from the elderly to young children. The place is definitely easy for people to access.
The main entrance to the tearoom does have a large step to get in and a narrow doorway. BUT there is alternative access just along from the main entrance at the side of the building. There is a pathway leading you round to the outdoor seating area. The pathway is all flat and easy to walk on. Inside, all the flooring is level and easy to navigate.
The toilets are inside the building located near to the deli counter. There is a disabled toilet and baby-changing facilities.
This tearoom is family friendly as it caters to people of all needs and ages. There is a child-friendly menu available and there are highchairs provided for babies. There is a wide variety of food so there is bound to be something that everyone will like.
As well as catering for kids, the menu also takes account of people with dietary requirements including vegan-friendly and gluten-free options. There are plenty of healthy options including salads for those watching their calories. The drinks menu is very extensive, as it includes hot and cold drinks, drinks of different flavours and styles and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Ask a member of staff for allergy information.
There is plenty of places to park within walking distance from the café. There aren’t any parking restrictions.
There is a bus service that operates from Bishop Auckland and Willington. The nearest bus stop is within walking distance of the tearoom.
The ambiance at this tearoom is relaxing and cheerful. Parts of the venue are highly decorated and vibrant with floral decorations. Some people may prefer to sit in the main seating area where the décor is less vibrant for people with sensory needs. Noise levels are relatively normal, with quiet music playing in the background. The café can get busy on weekends mainly. With it being located in a village it is never too busy especially on weekdays.
We hope you have found this listing useful in your search for accessible coffee shops and tearooms in the Bishop Auckland and County Durham area. Similar venues in the area that we also recommend include The Dairy Barn.
cafes and tea shops in Bishop Auckland that we also recommend include The Fox Tale.
Yes, the gift shop is always open when the venue is open.
It is required that you book ahead by contacting the cafe on 01388 608336 to discuss special occasions. You can also book afternoon tea in the terrace as well.
The cafe does not have its own car park, however there is plenty of places to park along the streets in Hunwick.
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